Crime/Public Safety/Drugs
Lamoine Arrest
(Lamoine) An Auburn man was arrested Sunday night in Lamoine after residents there called in a suspicious vehicle complaint. The Hancock County Sheriff’s office says it received a call from someone concerned about the vehicle loitering in a private subdivision, with an operator who was acting strangely. A follow up investigation led to the arrest of 34 yo Shanis Yonis. Yonis was charged with operating under the influence of alcohol and taken to the Hancock County Jail. Maine State Police and Northern Light Ambulance Service assisted at the scene.
Search for Missing Milbridge Clammer to Resume
(Milbridge) The Maine Marine Patrol will again this morning resume the search for a clam digger who went missing near Milbridge on Sunday. The Maine Department of Marine Resources reports the search for 51 yo Alton Wallace was temporarily suspended overnight. The initial search began about 3:15 Sunday afternoon after Wallace failed to return home from harvesting clams. An underwater recovery dive team will continue searching today in Narraguagus Bay, with air support participating, as well, weather permitting.
Lisbon Man Dies After Apparent Medical Event While on the Water
(West Gardiner) A Lisbon man died yesterday morning after suffering an apparent medical event that caused him to fall into the water while fishing on Cobbosseecontee Stream in West Gardiner. Authorities say 33 yo Chadd Brewin of Lisbon was with his father-in-law, 67 yo Claude Latouche, when Brewin went overboard. Latouche was unable to get Brewin back into the boat, but was able to hold onto him and bring him close to shore, but then the boat overturned, leaving both men in the water. Latouche was able to call 9-1-1. Brewin was taken to Maine General, but passed away as a result of the incident. The Maine Warden Service continues to investigate.
Click It or Ticket Campaign Underway
(Maine) The annual “Click it or Ticket” campaign is underway. Now through June 1st, The Maine Bureau of Highway Safety is reminding drivers to buckle those seat belts. They say state, municipal and county law enforcement agencies will be actively looking for proper seat belt usage during the coming weeks. In Maine, seat belt use is at 93.8%; but safety officials say that remaining 6.2% are putting their lives at risk. Penalties for not wearing a seat belt range from $50 for a first offense up to $250.00 for continuing to go unbuckled.
EMS Week Remembrance Events
(Augusta) This is EMS Week, and a special event is planned for tomorrow in Augusta. At 11 a.m. at the Statehouse, the nonprofit Friends of EMS for Maine will host their annual ceremony to honor those who have dedicated their lives to EMS, including one first responder who gave his life in the line of duty this past year. The ceremony will also recognize all who make up the EMS system in Maine – clinicians, telecommunicators, nurses, doctors and more. Future EMS providers, including EMT students from Brewer and Bethel, will be on hand to celebrate the spirit of EMS in Maine. Everyone is welcome to attend.
(Augusta) This is EMS Week in Maine. Tomorrow afternoon at 1, the Maine EMS Board will host the 2025 Maine EMS Awards Ceremony. The event recognizes EMS clinicians, partners, and organizations across the state for their outstanding achievements and contributions to emergency medical services in Maine. The awards highlight the dedication, professionalism, and impact of EMS personnel. The public is invited to attend the ceremony, which will take place in the Hall of Flags at the Maine Statehouse.
Apple Lawsuit
(Undated) Anyone who has owned an Apple device since 2014 could become eligible for compensation from a $95M class action lawsuit. The lawsuit, filed in 2021, accuses the tech giant of recording and sharing users’ private conversations and sharing confidential information through unintended Siri activations. Apple denies the allegations and says the data was used to improve Siri. Claims must be submitted online by July 2nd of this year, with payments expected after a settlement hearing scheduled for August 1st.
Local Politics
Collins Joins Outcry Over Trump’s Acceptance of Luxury Jet
(Washington, DC) Senator Susan Collins has joined bipartisan outcry over President Donald Trump’s plan to accept a gift of a $400M luxury jet from the government of Qatar. In an interview with NewsCenter Maine, Collins said, “the transaction strikes me as rife with political espionage, ethical and constitutional problems.” Maine Senator Angus King and Representative Chellie Pingree said acceptance of the jet presents a national security threat and would likely require massive investments before it could be used.
Legislators Advance Ghost Gun Bill
(Augusta) Legislators on the Judiciary Committee have advanced LD 1126, a bill to address “ghost guns” by requiring the serialization of all completed firearms. “Ghost guns” are un-serialized and untraceable firearms either purchased as a kit or as separate pieces and assembled into firearms at home, or guns printed at home, using a 3D printer. The firearms allow purchasers to bypass background checks, serial number requirements, and other state and federal laws. Nacole Palmer, Executive Director of the Maine Gun Safety Coalition, said the legislation tackles a growing issue that’s putting Maine communities and law enforcement at risk. The legislation would not prohibit the purchase of such gun parts, but would help law enforcement in tracing crime by requiring serialization of all such parts.
Economy
Island Connections Launches Matching Challenge
(Bar Harbor) Island Connections in Bar Harbor is celebrating Independence Day by kicking off its annual Match Challenge fundraising campaign. Between May 26th, Memorial Day, and the 4th of July, all donations up to $20K will be matched to support free, reliable transportation for older adults and people with disabilities. To donate, visit i s l connections dot org.
Maine Honored with National “Difference Makers Award”
(Augusta) Educators in Maine start early helping children understand the importance of protecting and preserving our environment and natural resources. The Maine Department of Education and the Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future were recently recognized nationally with the 2025 Difference Makers Award for their groundbreaking collaboration on the Green Schools Initiative. The ambitious, statewide effort supports Maine schools in improving energy efficiency, saving public funds and reducing pollution in the state’s schools. MDOE Commissioner Pender Makin said the award belongs to Maine educators, students and school leaders who are already making climate-smart choices and preparing for the future with purpose and urgency.
Health
FDA Approves Breakthrough Diagnostic Test for Alzheimer’s
(ABC News) Seven million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s disease; and scientists say that number could double by the year 2060. Until now, tests for the disease have been expensive and time consuming. ABC News reports the Food and Drug Administration on Friday cleared the first blood test to help diagnose Alzheimer’s. The test, which is faster and cheaper, is for those 55 and older who are already exhibiting signs and symptoms of the disease, according to the agency. They say the test is more than 90% accurate and critical in determining early diagnosis … and, thus, treatment. Alzheimer’s is a neurodegenerative disorder that gradually destroys memory and thinking skills and is often characterized by plaques, clips of protein seen as dark spots on certain brain scans.
Environment
Public Art to Transform Ellsworth’s Riverwalk
(Ellsworth) Building community is a work of art. This Thursday through Saturday, the lawn of the Ellsworth Public Library will be transformed into a dynamic public art space, as two large-scale stone sculptures are installed. Heart of Ellsworth reports a third sculpture will be temporarily housed in the library’s boat room. The yearlong installation project will showcase works by local artists, as Frenchman Bay Conservancy and the Schoodic International Sculpture Symposium join Heart of Ellsworth and the library to, they say, create a cultural corridor, blending art, culture and outdoor recreation along the city’s scenic Riverwalk North, supported by a planning grant. Library Director Sarah Lesko said the sculptures will invite people to slow down, reflect, and experience Ellsworth in a new way.
Human Interest
The Grand in Ellsworth Celebrates Sound Upgrade
(Ellsworth) The Grand in Ellsworth is sounding off about their brand new sound system. And rightfully so! Grand Executive Director Nick Turner tells Star 97.7 you can’t miss the dramatic improvement. (((Sound Sys 1 “…everyone will notice.” :21))) Come hear for yourself, starting with a special celebration – a free concert featuring the Crown Vics, this Saturday, May 24th at 7 p.m. … only at your Grand. Then on May 30th, don’t miss an encore presentation by Julia Gagnon. If you thought last year’s sold out performance was amazing – wait until you hear her with the Grand’s new sound system! Tickets at grandonline dot org.
(Ellsworth) Music to your ears – that’s what you’ll hear the next time you’re at The Grand in Ellsworth. Executive Director Nick Turner tells Star 97.7, the music, the performances, the audio … now sound better than ever with the new sound system upgrade, thanks to a $50K T-Mobile Hometown Grant. (((Sound Sys 2 “…and playing all my favorites … on that system.” :20))) Come see, or rather, HEAR for yourself this Saturday, May 24th at 7 p.m. with an Open House and free concert by the Crown Vics. Then don’t miss the golden voice of American Idol’s and Maine’s own Julia Gagnon on May 30th. Tickets for that concert at grand online dot org.
(Ellsworth) Join the Grand for concerts this month and you won’t believe your ears! Executive Director Nick Turner tells Star 97.7, the new sound system is in, and they invite you to lend an ear and help them celebrate. (((Sound Sys 3 “…with the return of Julia Gagnon.” :22))) Julia’s fan base is growing, and Ellsworth is fortunate to have her back at the Grand for one more performance on May 30th – and if you heard her last year, just wait until she belts it out on the new sound system. Get tickets at grand online dot org.
Infrastructure
Planned Water Disruption
(Ellsworth) Residents on Laurel Street in Ellsworth will experience a temporary interruption in water service today, due to construction work in the area. The City says there may be periods of no water between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., so you’ll want to take steps to store water for any anticipated needs during this time. The Ellsworth Water Department also advises that once the water is restored, you may experience some discoloration to your water. They recommend running your water until clear if it appears yellow or dirty. Contact the Ellsworth Water Department with any questions.
Ellsworth Road Work
(Ellsworth) An update on area road work from the City of Ellsworth. The May 20th culvert repair at the intersection of Birch Avenue and Oak Street will be rescheduled to a later date. Beginning at 7 a.m. this morning, the travel lane on High Street closest to Merrill Lane will be shut down and the entrance/exit to Merrill Lane closed as crews complete the water and storm drain extensions there. Cars traveling in the southbound lanes will be unable to turn left onto Merrill Lane at the traffic light intersection.